Agartala, July 26: Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday dismissed allegations of a financial crisis in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), indirectly responding to the Tipra Motha Party’s repeated claims of fund shortages. Without naming anyone, Saha asserted that such concerns are being “unnecessarily raised.”
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the first distinction honour programme for tribal students of Classes X and XII from NGO-run boarding houses, held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala, Saha said, “There is no financial crisis in ADC. Some people are unnecessarily raising this issue both in the Assembly and outside, I have clarified this before.”
In a veiled counter to it alliance partner Tipra Motha’s demands, Saha highlighted the state government’s dedicated efforts for tribal welfare.
“For the welfare of ST people, the Government of India under the leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister and the state government are working sincerely. We have undertaken a ₹1,400 crore development project for ADC areas through an external aided scheme exclusively focused on tribal development,” he said.
Saha further added that in addition to centrally sponsored initiatives, special schemes under the Chief Minister’s name are also being implemented to improve tribal areas, particularly in education, healthcare, road connectivity, and drinking water supply. “Preservation of indigenous culture and identity is also one of our top priorities,” the Chief Minister said.
Dismissing claims of fund shortage, Saha said, “I doubt there is any financial crisis. The demand being raised in this context is not appropriate.”
He also praised the academic performance of tribal students, stating that it reflects the ongoing development efforts reaching the grassroots level.
Earlier, Tipra Motha, which governs the TTAADC in alliance with the BJP, had repeatedly raised the issue of inadequate funds, claiming that the majority of the allocated budget is consumed by salaries and pensions.
Recently, the ADC administration faced backlash after failing to release pension funds for a section of recently retired staff, triggering protests from affected employees.
By emphasizing ongoing schemes and large-scale investment, the Chief Minister aimed to counter the narrative of neglect in ADC areas, signaling that the government is committed to ensuring inclusive development without indulging in blame games.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, accompanied by Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma—who echoed similar sentiments—and social activist Bipin Debbarma, felicitated tribal students residing in NGO-run boarding houses across Tripura for their outstanding performance in the board examinations.
